Car Rental in Phuket
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Phuket Int. Airport
Mini
Toyota Yaris
or similar
$24.31
per day
Phuket Int. Airport
Economy
Honda City
or similar
$24.49
per day
Phuket Int. Airport
Compact
Toyota Yaris
or similar
$25.98
per day
Phuket Int. Airport
Standard
Toyota Corolla Altis
or similar
$32.70
per day
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
Phuket Int. Airport
Intermediate SUV
Honda BR-V
or similar
$58.28
per day
Phuket Int. Airport
Full-size
Toyota Camry
or similar
$69.02
per day
Phuket Int. Airport
Luxury SUV
Volvo XC40 (Electric) *Model Guaranteed*
or similar
$103.59
per day
Downtown
Economy
Nissan Almera
or similar
$26.71
per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 4:45 AM on 11/19/24. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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Special offers
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Travel Information
Languages
Thai
Currency
THB
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
+66
Average car rental price
$46 per day
Average car rental length
7 days
Speed limit within town
50 km/h or 31 mph
Speed limit out of town
90 - 110 km/h or 56 - 68 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Average gas price
$1.20 per liter or $4.54 per gallon
Lowest gas price
$1.01 per liter or $3.84 per gallon
Highest gas price
$1.26 per liter or $4.78 per gallon
Why rent a car in Phuket?
Phuket is a great place to explore. The island’s beaches are world-famous for both their spectacular beauty and the water sports opportunities they offer. Having your own ride will give you the freedom to travel beyond the usual tourist spots and discover pristine shores, tropical areas, and quiet local villages at your own pace. Should you ever want to leave Phuket, the rest of Thailand is there for exploring right on the other side of the Sarasin Bridge.
One-Way Car Rentals in Phuket
The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Phuket and drop off in another city include:
- From Phuket to Bangkok - 16 offers from $53.27 per day
- From Phuket to Surat Thani - 6 offers from $46.53 per day
- From Phuket to Krabi - 6 offers from $44.29 per day
- From Phuket to Ko Samui - 6 offers from $46.53 per day
Top ways to enter Phuket
- Phuket Airport: The third-busiest in Thailand, Phuket Airport has been constantly growing and handled nearly 20 million travelers in 2018. A hub for Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways, and AirAsia, the airport is served by more than 40 different airlines. Located about 32km (19.8 miles) north of Phuket Town, the airport can be reached in 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.
- Krabi Airport: Serving the Thai province and famous beach resort area of the same name, Krabi Airport has flights to and from many destinations in Southeast Asia as well as in Russia, the Middle East, and Scandinavia. The airport is 169km (105 miles) northeast of Phuket and can be reached in about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Surat Thani Airport: A small airport not far from the border with Myanmar, Surat Thani Airport serves some domestic flights, as well as flights to and from a number of destinations in China. Located 215km (133 miles) north of Phuket, the airport can be reached in about three hours.
- Hat Yai Airport: Also known as Songkhla Airport after the province in which it is located, Hat Yai served nearly 5 million travelers in 2018. The airport has flights by eight different airlines, offering connections to China, Malaysia, and Singapore. Located about 430km (267 miles) southeast of Phuket near the border with Malaysia, the airport can be reached in about six hours.
City facts
- Phuket enjoys a tropical monsoon climate with a long wet season and a short dry season. Temperature changes are minimal throughout the year, the average monthly temperature always staying around to 28°C (82°F). September is by far the rainiest month while February is the driest.
- Although more than 400,000 people call the island of Phuket their home, its territory takes up just 576 square kilometers (222 square miles). The island is just 50km (31 miles) long and, at its most, 20km (12 miles) wide. This means that if you have a rental car, any place on the island is reachable from anywhere else within an hour or less.
- Although Phuket is an island, 70% of its territory is made up of mountains and hills which stretch from the north to the south of the island. There are also a number of creeks, wetlands, and forests on Phuket.
Top sights and activities
- Phuket Town. The capital of the province, Phuket Town is famous for its beautiful Jui Tui and Put Jaw Taoist shrines as well as Buddhist and Hinduist temples. Old Phuket has some unique Sino-Portuguese architecture, providing a glimpse of area’s fascinating history. Travelers also love Khao Rang neighborhood both for its picturesque architecture and the fact that some of the island’s best restaurants are located there.
- Beaches. Obviously, the main attraction of Phuket is its long, pristine beaches that are famous around the world. There’s plenty to choose from, too - Karon Beach is lively and developed, Patong Beach is where the party is always at, Laem Sing Beach offers truly stunning views, and Bang Tao Beach is quite relaxed and has amazing spas. Visit these beaches but also take the chance to travel around the island in a car and discover unique spots of coast by yourself.
- Water sports. For those wanting to challenge themselves and do something more active than just lying on the beach, there’s plenty of opportunities for water sports. Racha Yai is the best spot for diving, Ko Hae has great snorkeling options, and Nai Yang is a kite surfer’s paradise. Equipment and instructors are available and there’s something for everyone, from first timers to experienced pros.
Traffic and parking
- Cars in Thailand drive on the left hand side of the road.
- Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limit for all cars exceeding the weight of 1,200 kg (2,645 lbs) is 80km/h (50 mph) on motorways, 80km/h (50 mph) outside built-up areas, and 60km/h (37 mph) inside residential and built-up areas.
- The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.02% for novice drivers. Exceeding the limit can lead to hefty fines, a licence ban, or even deportation.
- Although Phuket is an island, it is connected to mainland Thailand by the Sarasin Bridge and therefore is easily reached by car. The bridge is just 660m (2,165ft) long.
- Thailand has some of the best highways in the region. The road network is constantly being improved and expanded. However, some countryside roads can be in a less-than-perfect shape, so it’s important to drive carefully on them, especially after dark. For traveling around the country, it’s important to get a good GPS system; however, keep in mind that some areas are still not covered by the GPS or some information might be inaccurate, so it’s important to plan your driving route in advance. Driving in the jungle or mountains often requires a 4x4 vehicle.
- Proof of insurance and the car’s documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
- When driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
- The English-speaking tourist police phone number is 1155. The general police number is 191, the ambulance and rescue number is 1154, and the fire department number is 199.
Toll roads
- Thailand has a number of toll roads, although you’ll find most of them in the Greater Bangkok area.
- Most of the toll roads can be entered and exited via a toll booth where you have to pay. Most of them only accept cash, and it’s better to have an exact change. The toll payment will depend on the size of the car, as well as the length of your travel. The prices are quite reasonable, although they have increased a couple of times during recent years.
- As of June 2019, some new toll roads are under construction and there are plans for building more. Look up the latest information online and ask your rental car provider for more information about toll roads in Thailand.
Ideas for day trips
- Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary. A National park and a designated area where hunting is prohibited, Khao Phra has Phuket’s last piece of virgin rainforest. The park is located on the northern part of the island and highlights include the Tonsai Waterfall and an 8km-loing (5 mile) hiking path that goes right through the jungle. Khao Phra is 27km (17 miles) north of Phuket Town and can be reached in about 40 minutes.
- Ao Phang Nga National Park. Another national park near Phuket, Ao Phang Nga is famous for its tower karst islands. Impressive limestone formations, these have lately become something of a symbol of Thailand, and you’ve probably seen them in a tourism video or on a postcard. Ao Phang Nga also has many impressive caves and some of the last mangrove forests in Thailand. The 1974 James Bond movie The Man With the Golden Gun was shot in the national park. Located in Phang Nga Province, the national park is 78km (48 miles) northeast of Phuket Town and can be reached in about 90 minutes.
- Khao Lak. A scenic coastal strip of about 20km (12 miles), Khao Lak is similar to Phuket in natural beauty but is a lot more quiet and serene. The area is popular with families and offers great opportunities for swimming and scuba diving. Khao Lak has many beautiful waterfalls and the more adventurous travelers will appreciate the chance to explore the jungle-covered mountains that begin right at the coast. Located 110km (68 miles) north of Phuket, Khao Lak can be reached by car in two hours.
Most popular cars
The most popular rental car in Phuket is the Toyota Altis, although many travelers also go for the Nissan Sylphy and the Mitsubishi Mirage. The most popular rental car types are intermediate, standard, and mini.
Further destinations
- Krabi. Also known as Ao Nang, the resort town concentrated around Krabi Town is as, if not more, famous than Phuket. More upscale (and also more expensive), Krabi is quite spread-out, giving the area a slightly less-crowded feeling. Beautiful beaches are a given, but Krabi is also famous for its nature safaris and hot springs. If you’re in Thailand, it can be nice to travel here after Phuket just to find out which one you prefer. Located 240km (149 miles) east of Phuket, Krabi can be reached in about 2 hours and 40 minutes.
- Bangkok. The most famous city in Southeast Asia, Bangkok might be far from Phuket, but taking the long trip is definitely worth it. A backpacker’s heaven and a place of crazy nightlife, the city is also known for its beautiful Buddhist temples, eclectic architecture, and amazing street food. Bangkok is about 840km (521 miles) north of Phuket and it takes about 11 hours to reach. It’s a trip that’s not for everyone, but those who dare to go will be rewarded with countless stunning landscapes on the way and a grand sense of accomplishment at the end of the road.
- Malaysia. Tropical, developed, and multicultural, Thailand’s southern neighbor is an interesting mix. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, is an ultra-modern Asian metropolis, but the country’s real highlights are its old hill stations, small unexplored islands, and hospitable inhabitants. The border with Malaysia is 450km (279 miles) south of Phuket and can be reached in about seven hours. Most car rental providers in Thailand don’t permit taking a rental car across the border. A good alternative is to take public transportation across the border and pick up a new rental car upon arriving in Malaysia. Also, check to see if you need a visa as the requirements for entering Malaysia can be different than those for Thailand depending on your citizenship.
Car rental prices in Phuket
- Large cars - from $33 per day
- Medium cars - from $26 per day
- Vans - from $33 per day
- Small cars - from $24 per day
- SUVs - from $34 per day
Money-saving and other tips
Try these tips to land a great rental car in Phuket:
- Compare the rates of different rental car providers
- Book your rental car well in advance
- Plan your route before you go
- Know your fuel and mileage requirements
- Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Phuket is the cheapest in March when renting a car is about 50% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 68% cheaper than renting a vehicle in November.
Fact checked by
Hannah Lukaszewicz
Edited by Hannah Lukaszewicz, a US citizen who runs the international travel blog Getting Stamped. Hannah and her family have traveled to over 85 countries with a never-ending bucket list! Her travel blog hopes to inspire you to travel the world and help you plan your trip too. She has rented cars all over the world and has driven in over 30 countries. She believes that renting a car gives you such freedom and is the best way to experience a destination.
Top 16 cities near Phuket
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74.5 km / 46.3 miles away
-
146.6 km / 91.1 miles away
-
250.6 km / 155.7 miles away
-
264.7 km / 164.5 miles away
-
528 km / 328.1 miles away
-
586.8 km / 364.6 miles away
-
607.8 km / 377.7 miles away
-
629.8 km / 391.3 miles away
-
675.2 km / 419.5 miles away
-
955.6 km / 593.8 miles away
-
956.8 km / 594.5 miles away
-
1,067.8 km / 663.5 miles away
-
1,139.8 km / 708.2 miles away
-
1,187.1 km / 737.6 miles away
-
1,238.7 km / 769.7 miles away
-
1,327.6 km / 824.9 miles away
Top 8 locations near Phuket
-
74.5 km / 46.3 miles away
-
250.6 km / 155.7 miles away
-
671.8 km / 417.4 miles away
-
675.2 km / 419.5 miles away
-
692 km / 430 miles away
-
1,139.8 km / 708.2 miles away
-
1,187.1 km / 737.6 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Phuket?
Car rental prices in Phuket vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.
Average rental costs per day in Phuket
The cheapest month to rent a car in Phuket is September (when prices average $23.27 per day). This is 19% cheaper than the yearly average and 41% cheaper than renting in February (when prices average $39.77).
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
What’s the usual rental length in Phuket?
How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in January, the average renter keeps their car for 9 days, and in March, they keep their car for 7 days.
Average number of rental days in Phuket
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Phuket?
Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Phuket is August, and the least popular is February.
Monthly searches in Phuket by pick-up date relative to the average
Car rental information
| Car rental locations | 3 |
| Airport locations | 1 |
| Popular suppliers | Drive Car Rental, yesaway, Asap Car Rental, SIXT, Europcar |
| Popular car categories | Small cars, SUVs, Medium cars, Vans |
| Lowest price | $24 per day |
| Cheapest supplier | yesaway |
Most popular car models of rental suppliers
| Rental Supplier | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Car Rental | Toyota Yaris | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| yesaway | Toyota Yaris Ativ | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Asap Car Rental | Toyota Yaris | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| yesaway | Toyota Yaris | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Asap Car Rental | Toyota Veloz | 5 | 2 | Vans |
| Luv Drive Car Rent | Toyota Yaris | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Luv Drive Car Rent | Toyota Yaris | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Thai Rent A Car | Toyota Yaris | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| Asap Car Rental | Haval Jolion | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| Drive Car Rental | Hyundai H-1 | 4 | 3 | Vans |
Our customers' reviews
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
MM
Hong Kong
Toyota Yaris Ativ
5/31/24
a free driving experience.
JM
Ireland
Toyota Fortuner
7/10/23
Driving around the island of phuket without the restriction of using taxis, tuk tuks etc , going to beaches, markets, other resorts, also off the beaten track places, visiting villages etc... when you rent a car you have a completely different holiday, you see more, do more and the convenience of your own transports makes for a better holiday
AN
India
Nissan Almera
6/22/23
Drove all over Phuket seeing all the beautiful sights
KQ
Singapore
Nissan Almera
6/2/23
Raining everyday
RZ
Hong Kong
Nissan Almera
4/26/23
Our whole trip was perfect!
KT
Singapore
Toyota Fortuner
12/25/22
Good accommodation with panoramic view of Patong bay was a great way of family bonding and chill out.
DP
Singapore
Toyota Commuter
10/29/22
Great time in Phuket. Weather was good.
SS
United States of America (USA)
Toyota Vios
1/5/21
Car was extra helpful and allowed us to explore in our own from shopping malls and restaurants to various beaches. We were really glad we added a car instead of relying on taxis or songtaws.
VC
India
Toyota Fortuner
6/16/19
Renting a car is best in case you are planning to cover Phuket and Krabi in your trip - the drive is pleasurable with scenic landscape during your drive. More importantly, you are not at the mercy of car vendors which extracts significant amount of money from you!! So I will give full 5 on 5 on renting of car in Phuket/Krabi.
SC
Poland
Toyota Vios
4/27/19
Phuket is nice with the pure-white beaches and the majesic underwater paradise.
PG
United Kingdom
Nissan Almera
3/14/19
You really need a 1.6 litre engine or above because some of the hills are really steep.Automatic is really useful on the steep hills and junctions.
MN
South Africa
Mitsubishi Pajero
12/15/18
Would recommend hiring a car if you are a family as this makes transport cost more affordable and less dependant on taxi 'mafia'
RK
India
Toyota Altis
8/22/18
Pl don't blow horn, follow lanes. Thai roads and drivers are very good. Observe traffic rules carefully.
BB
United States of America (USA)
Toyota Fortuner
8/10/18
Phuket is one of the best cities in Thailand. We really had a great time there. We visited beaches, islands, the big Buddha, downtown area, number of restaurants, and sea food market at Rawai Beach.
SS
Canada
Nissan Almera
8/5/18
Roads are pretty narrow there, drive slow.
DH
United Kingdom
Toyota Fortuner
7/28/18
Driving in Khao Lak is a pleasure. Maybe less so on Phuket Island as more congestion.
Car Rental Statistics
Highest-rated company
Drive Car Rental
9 / 10
Lowest-rated company
8mile Rent a car
7.5 / 10
Total number of reviews
24
Total rental companies
13
Average daily price
$45.64
Lowest daily price
$24.31
Total cars available
62
Top 13 suppliers in Phuket in 2024
Drive Car Rental
2 locations
$27 - $84
Thai Rent A Car
1 location
$27 - $84
yesaway
1 location
$24 - $80
SIXT
2 locations
$24 - $104
Asap Car Rental
1 location
$25 - $34
Luv Drive Car Rent
1 location
$26
Europcar
1 location
$36 - $91
Enterprise
1 location
$36 - $91
Alamo
1 location
$36 - $91
National
1 location
$36 - $91
CARIFY
1 location
$46
Keddy
1 location
$46
8mile Rent a car
1 location
$38 - $131
Awards
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking App 2023
Magellan Awards Gold Winner 2023
Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021
FT 1000: Europes Fastest Growing Companies - Top 300 Companies 2021
FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies - Top 100 Companies 2020
Uzakrota Travel Awards - World’s Leading Car Rental Website 2022
Inc. 5000 Europe - Top 500 Companies 2019
Trustpilot - Top 10 Car Rental Agencies
SimilarWeb - Top 50 Car Rental Websites
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